Mungo Park (explorer)

Mungo Park was a Scottish explorer born in 1771 who is best known for his expeditions into West Africa, particularly along the Niger River. His goal was to learn more about the region's geography and cultures, often risking his own safety. Park's journeys helped map parts of Africa that were previously unknown to Europeans and increased understanding of the continent's interior. Despite facing numerous hardships and eventually dying on an expedition in 1806, his work contributed significantly to the European exploration and knowledge of West Africa in the late 18th and early 19th centuries.